Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary

General

The lake - Nalsarovar - and the wetlands around it were declared a bird sanctuary in 1969. Spread over 120 sq.kms, the lake and the extensive reed beds and marshes are an ideal habitat for aquatic plants and animals. The lake attracts a large variety of birds like plovers, sandpipers and stints.

There are 360-odd islets in the lake. Most of them lie exposed when the water level is low. The lake gets filled with water that drains from the adjoining Surendranagar and Ahmedabad districts in the monsoon. With this fresh water inflow, brackishness in the lake is reduced considerably.

The migratory birds arrive in vast numbers, homing in on the lake. There are flocks of pelicans, flamingoes, ducks, demoiselle cranes, common cranes, and several waders occupying huge patches of the lake during the season. With the approaching summer the lake water dries up making it brackish, and the fish and other insect life becomes scarce. The migratory birds and most of the resident birds, such as cormorants, grebes and openbill storks, begin to leave by April.

Visiting Hours: 06:00 am to 06:00 pm, Everyday

Location: Around 61 km from Ahmedabad.

For more details: +91 2717 223500

Background

The Nal region is a low-lying area between the plains of the Central Gujarat and Eastern Saurashtra. Owing to its low lying topography, it is believed to represent a filled up sea link, that previously existed between the Little Rann in the north and the Gulf of Khambat in the south. Remnants of this sea are thought to be represented by the Nalsarovar.

Interesting facts

Nalsarovar is best for a one-day picnic from Ahmedabad. But in just 64 km, you will be transported to a water wonderland where everything is dream-like and exotic bird varieties offer eye-catching selfie opportunities. More than that Nalsarovar is a true bird watcher’s paradise with countless species of birds thronging the place. Spread over 120 square kilometers, the lake and the extensive reed beds and marshes are an ideal habitat for aquatic plants and animals.
The peculiar habitat attracts hundreds of species of birds. A large variety of birds like plovers, sandpipers and stints are seen all seasons. Interestingly, the sanctuary has 360-odd islets. Most of them lie exposed when the water level is low. That is not the case when the lake gets filled with water that drains from the adjoining Surendranagar and Ahmedabad districts during the monsoon rains. Then the water turns clearer with reduced brackishness. At this time, resident birds such as cormorants, grebes and open bill storks are joined by large flocks of migratory birds. They arrive en masse to the sanctuary. Flamingoes, pelicans, ducks,demoiselle cranes, common cranes, and several waders occupy the area. Obviously, for the bird watchers too, this is the best time to visit.Look out for: Sandpipers, Flamingoes and PelicansBe one of few to record: An exotic Flamingo in a beautiful angleSeasons: WinterRecommended time in the field: 1 DayAccommodation: The city of Ahmedabad is only 64 km awayOther attractions: Explore some of the 360-odd islets in the sanctuary

How to get there

By road: The Nearest bus station are at Ahmedabad (64kms), Viramgam (40 kms) and Sanand (42 kms).